FAQ's

Bowhunting Frequently Asked Questions

If you are hunting for rabbits, hare, foxes, pigs, goats etc. on private property you do not need a licence. Kangaroos and other Native wildlife are totally protected. However you will need an authority to hunt if you intend to hunt deer in Victoria and an R licence if you in tend to hunt deer in NSW. The Victorian Authority to hunt also enables you to hunt crown land otherwise you will have to get permission from land owners. In NSW you can only hunt crown land by booking a block through the DPI otherwise you will have to get land owner permission.

Do you need a licence to own a bow ?

Generally the only requirement you need in Australia is a place to hunt. There is no licencing requirements for the equipment. All Australian States except Tasmania allow bowhunting. There is crown land hunting in New South Wales and Victoria under certain licence arrangements. See NSW R-licence for information go to www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting or for Victoria www.gma.vic.gov.au and put in hunting in the search section. Otherwise all States require permission to hunt on private property. Whatever you do, do not be tempted to pull up and have a hunt off the side of the road. If caught the law has the potential to confiscate all that is in your possession, including vehicles.

Can I bring a Bow into Australia and what hunting licences do I need ?

The only requirement you need in Australia is a place to hunt. There is no licencing requirements or anything in that regard bows and arrows. You should not have any problems bringing your bow and equipment into Australia. If asked at customs refer to you bow as sporting equipment.

All Australian States except Tasmania allow bowhunting. There is crown land hunting in New South Wales under a licence arrangement. See NSW R-licence for information ww.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting Or game licencing for crown land hunting in Victoria, see www.dpi.vic.gov.au and put in hunting in the search section. Otherwise all States require permission to hunt on private property.

Can anyone join the ABA or do I have to be in a club ?

You can join the ABA as an independent, you do not have to belong to a club.

What do I get for joining the ABA ?

First up, most importantly, you get a Public Liability Insurance policy which covers you while you are doing any legal activity under the banner of the ABA. Whether out in the field hunting or on an archery course. You also get a personal Accident Policy cover under the same criteria. If you become a member of a club you get access to National coaching, game measuring and bowhunter education programmes by which Club members can gain qualifications which gives you more access to game award registration and a recognition system at National, State and Club level.

The ABA sanctions organised Field and 3D archery competitions at Club, Branch, State, National and International levels. We have Field Archery training and coaching programs. The ABA also owns its own field archery headquarters thus safeguarding our future. On top of this you get six free copies of Archery Action each year.

The Australian Bowhunters Association is also part of an Archery Alliance with 3DAAA, World Archery and the Traditional Archers of Australia. This Alliance was formed to cater to the best interests of all our members.